U.S. patent application number 16/538937 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-26 for display device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Min-gwan HYUN, Wee-joon JEONG, Taegil KANG, Mansoo KIM.
Application Number | 20200096809 16/538937 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69856550 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200096809 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JEONG; Wee-joon ; et
al. |
March 26, 2020 |
DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
A display device includes a display panel, a bottom chassis
disposed facing the display panel; a backlight unit including a
light source disposed between the display panel and the bottom
chassis; and a reflection module defined by a reflection sheet
which has a thickness of about 0.095 millimeter to about 0.15
millimeter and is disposed on a support member having a thickness
of about 0.19 millimeter to about 0.21 millimeter, each of the
reflection sheet and the support member disposed between the
display panel and the bottom chassis.
Inventors: |
JEONG; Wee-joon;
(Seongnam-si, KR) ; HYUN; Min-gwan; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; KANG; Taegil; (Hwaseong-si, KR) ; KIM;
Mansoo; (Asan-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
69856550 |
Appl. No.: |
16/538937 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02F 1/133603 20130101;
G02B 6/0055 20130101; G02B 6/0088 20130101; G02F 1/133608 20130101;
G02B 6/0065 20130101; G02F 1/133606 20130101; G02F 1/133308
20130101; G02F 2001/133314 20130101; G02F 1/133605 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02F 1/1333 20060101
G02F001/1333; G02F 1/1335 20060101 G02F001/1335 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 20, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0113195 |
Claims
1. A display device comprising: a display panel; a bottom chassis
disposed facing the display panel; a backlight unit comprising a
light source disposed between the display panel and the bottom
chassis; and a reflection module defined by a reflection sheet
which has a thickness of about 0.095 millimeter to about 0.15
millimeter and is disposed on a support member having a thickness
of about 0.19 millimeter to about 0.21 millimeter, each of the
reflection sheet and the support member disposed between the
display panel and the bottom chassis.
2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the reflection sheet is
disposed between the support member and the backlight unit.
3. The display device of claim 2, wherein within the reflection
module, the reflection sheet contacts the support member.
4. The display device of claim 2, wherein the reflection module is
further defined by the reflection sheet on the support member with
an adhesion member therebetween.
5. The display device of claim 2, wherein within the reflection
module, the support member comprises a metal.
6. The display device of claim 5, wherein the metal comprises
stainless steel.
7. The display device of claim 2, wherein within the reflection
module, the reflection sheet comprises a polymer material and has
reflectance of about 95%.
8. The display device of claim 2, wherein the bottom chassis has a
thickness of about 0.285 millimeter to about 0.315 millimeter.
9. The display device of claim 2, wherein a thickness of the bottom
chassis is the same as a thickness of the reflection module defined
by the reflection sheet on the support member.
10. The display device of claim 2, wherein the bottom chassis
comprises aluminum or an electro-galvanized steel sheet.
11. The display device of claim 2, further comprising an adhesion
member which couples the bottom chassis and the reflection module
to each other.
12. The display device of claim 2, further comprising: a first
opening defined in the bottom chassis, a second opening defined in
the reflection module, the second opening corresponding to the
first opening, and a same one fixing member extendable into both
the first opening and the second opening to couple the bottom
chassis and the reflection module to each other.
13. The display device of claim 2, wherein the backlight unit
further comprises a light guide member which guides light received
from the light source, to the display panel.
14. The display device of claim 13, wherein the light guide member
of the backlight unit contacts the reflection sheet of the
reflection module.
15. A display device comprising: a display panel; a bottom chassis
which faces the display panel and has a thickness of about 0.285
millimeter to about 0.315 millimeter; a backlight unit comprising a
light source and a light guide member which guides light received
from the light source to the display panel, each of the light
source and the light guide member disposed between the bottom
chassis having the thickness of about 0.285 millimeter to about
0.315 millimeter and the display panel; a reflection module defined
by a reflection sheet which has a thickness of about 0.095
millimeter to about 0.15 millimeter and is disposed on a support
member having a thickness of about 0.19 millimeter to about 0.21
millimeter, each of the reflection sheet and the support member
disposed between the bottom chassis having the thickness of about
0.285 millimeter to about 0.315 millimeter and the display panel,
wherein the reflection sheet of the reflection module contacts the
light guide member of the backlight unit.
16. The display device of claim 15, wherein within the reflection
module, the reflection sheet contacts the support member.
17. The display device of claim 15, wherein the reflection module
is further defined by the reflection sheet on the support member
with an adhesion member therebetween.
18. The display device of claim 15, wherein within the reflection
module, the support member comprises stainless steel.
19. The display device of claim 15, wherein within the reflection
module, the reflection sheet comprises a polymer material and has
reflectance of about 95%.
20. The display device of claim 15, further comprising an adhesion
member which couples the bottom chassis and the reflection module
to each other and has a thickness of about 0.095 millimeter to
about 0.15 millimeter.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2018-0113195, filed on Sep. 20, 2018, and all
the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
(1) Field
[0002] The present disclosure herein relates to a liquid crystal
display device, and more particularly, to a liquid crystal display
device having a relatively small thickness.
(2) Description of the Related Art
[0003] Display devices are used for displaying an image in various
information processing apparatuses such as televisions, monitors,
notebooks, mobile phones, and the like. As a display device, a
liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display
panel including a liquid crystal layer and a backlight unit which
provides light to the liquid crystal display panel so as to realize
a display device to be driven for a relatively long time or having
a relatively large display area.
[0004] A liquid crystal display device having a relatively small
thickness has been developed so as to provide a display device
having improved portability and aesthetics.
SUMMARY
[0005] One or more embodiments provide a display device having a
relatively small thickness.
[0006] An embodiment provides a display device including a display
panel, a backlight unit, a reflection module, and a bottom
chassis.
[0007] The display panel may include a liquid crystal layer.
[0008] The backlight unit is disposed below the display panel and
includes a light source.
[0009] The reflection module may be disposed below the backlight
unit. The reflection module is defined by a reflection sheet which
has a thickness of about 0.095 millimeter (mm) to about 0.15 mm and
is disposed on a support member having a thickness of about 0.19 mm
to about 0.21 mm.
[0010] The bottom chassis is disposed below the reflection
module.
[0011] In an embodiment, the reflection sheet may be disposed
between the support member and the backlight unit.
[0012] In an embodiment, the reflection sheet may contact the
support member.
[0013] In an embodiment, the reflection module may be further
defined by the reflection sheet on the support member with an
adhesion member therebetween.
[0014] In an embodiment, the support member may include a metal. In
an embodiment, the metal may include stainless steel.
[0015] In an embodiment, the reflection sheet may include a polymer
material and have reflectance of about 95%.
[0016] In an embodiment, the bottom chassis may have a thickness of
about 0.285 mm to about 0.315 mm.
[0017] In an embodiment, the bottom chassis may have substantially
a same thickness as a thickness of the reflection module.
[0018] In an embodiment, the bottom chassis may include aluminum or
an electro-galvanized steel sheet.
[0019] In an embodiment, the display device may further include an
adhesion member which couples the bottom chassis and the reflection
module to each other.
[0020] In an embodiment, a first opening may be defined in the
bottom chassis, and a second opening corresponding to the first
opening may be defined in the reflection module.
[0021] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a
same one fixing member which is extendable into the first opening
and the second opening to couple the bottom chassis and the
reflection module to each other.
[0022] In an embodiment, the backlight unit may further include a
light guide member which guides light received from the light
source to the display panel.
[0023] In an embodiment, the light guide member may contact the
reflection sheet.
[0024] In an embodiment, a display device includes a display panel,
a backlight unit, a reflection module, and a bottom chassis.
[0025] The backlight unit is disposed under the display panel. The
backlight unit may include a light source and a light guide member
which guides light received from the light source to the display
panel.
[0026] The reflection module is defined by a reflection sheet which
has a thickness of about 0.095 mm to about 0.15 mm and is disposed
on a support member having a thickness of about 0.19 mm to about
0.21 mm, and the reflection sheet may contact the light guide
member.
[0027] The bottom chassis is disposed below the reflection module
and has a thickness of about 0.285 mm to about 0.315 mm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this disclosure. The drawings illustrate
exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain principles of the invention. In the
drawings:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display
device;
[0030] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a
display device;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a display
device;
[0032] FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of an embodiment of
a pixel of a display device;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pixel
of a display device;
[0034] FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of embodiments of
reflection modules and a corresponding bottom chassis,
respectively;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
reflection module;
[0036] FIGS. 8 and 9 are respectively exploded perspective views of
other embodiments of a display device; and
[0037] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of
a display device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0039] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various
embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in
many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in
the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout.
[0040] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as
being related to another element such as being "on" another
element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening
elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element
is referred to as being related to another element such as being
"directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements
present.
[0041] It will be understood that, although the terms "first,"
"second," "third" etc. may be used herein to describe various
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish
one element, component, region, layer or section from another
element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, "a first
element," "component," "region," "layer" or "section" discussed
below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or
section without departing from the teachings herein
[0042] In the figures, the ratio and dimensions of components are
exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The terminology used
herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only
and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular
forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural
forms, including "at least one," unless the content clearly
indicates otherwise. "At least one" is not to be construed as
limiting "a" or "an." "Or" means "and/or." The term "and/or"
includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated
listed items.
[0043] The meaning of `include` or `comprise` specifies a property,
a fixed number, a step, an operation, an element, a component or a
combination thereof, but does not exclude other properties, fixed
numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations
thereof.
[0044] Furthermore, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and
"upper" or "top," may be used herein to describe one element's
relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It
will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass
different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation
depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the
figures is turned over, elements described as being on the "lower"
side of other elements would then be oriented on "upper" sides of
the other elements. The exemplary term "lower," can therefore,
encompasses both an orientation of "lower" and "upper," depending
on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the
device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as
"below" or "beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above"
the other elements. The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can,
therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.
[0045] "About" or "approximately" as used herein is inclusive of
the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation
for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in
the art, considering the measurement in question and the error
associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the
limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can
mean within one or more standard deviations, or within .+-.30%,
20%, 10% or 5% of the stated value.
[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present
disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0047] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to
cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of
idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques
and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described
herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes
of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in
shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a
region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough
and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are
illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the
figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended
to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to
limit the scope of the present claims.
[0048] To reduce an overall thickness of a display device such as a
liquid crystal display device, a thickness of a bottom chassis
and/or a reflection sheet within the display device may be reduced.
However, when the bottom chassis is reduced in thickness, a
strength of the bottom chassis may be weakened to deteriorate heat
dissipation characteristics of the bottom chassis within the
display device. Also, when the reflection sheet is reduced in
thickness, the reflection sheet may be relatively easily damaged in
a process of assembling the display device.
[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display
device DD. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display
device DD.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a display device DD may include
a top cover TC, a display panel DP, a gate driving circuit 100, a
data driving circuit 200, an optical member OPS, a backlight unit
BLU, a reflection module RFM, a bottom chassis BC, and a bottom
cover LC.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the display device DD includes a
display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA is
disposed in a plane that is parallel to a plane defined by a first
direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 which crosses the first
direction DR1. The first direction DR1 may be perpendicular to the
second direction DR2, without being limited thereto. A thickness of
the display device DD and components thereof may be defined along a
third direction DR3 which crosses each of the first direction DR1
and the second direction DR2.
[0052] The non-display area NDA may be defined by a planar area in
the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second
direction DR2 and corresponding to the top cover TC. When the
display device DD excludes the top cover TC, the non-display area
NDA may be defined by a sealing member or a mold of the display
device DD.
[0053] The display area DA provides information of an image IM to
outside the display device DD. In FIG. 1, a butterfly is
illustrated as an example of the image IM. That is, the image IM is
displayed at the display area DA, while the image IM is not
displayed at the non-display area NDA.
[0054] The top cover TC may form an outermost surface of the
display device DD and protect the display panel DP and other
components of the display device DD against an external impact or
contaminants incident thereto. An opening OP-TC of the top cover TC
may expose a front surface of the display panel DP to define the
display area DA. The components which form the display device DD
may each have a display area DA and a non-display area NDA
corresponding to those of the display device DD.
[0055] The display panel DP may be disposed below the top cover TC
in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3. Particularly,
the display panel DP may be disposed between the top cover TC and
the optical member OPS.
[0056] The display panel DP displays an image. The display panel DP
is not specifically limited. That is, the display panel DP may
include a non-emission type display panel for which a separate
light source is provided within the display device DD, e.g., a
reflective/transmissive display panel or a transmissive display
panel. Hereinafter, a liquid crystal display panel will be
described as an example of the display panel DP.
[0057] The display panel DP may include a first substrate DS1, a
second substrate DS2 facing the first substrate DS1, and an optical
control layer such as a liquid crystal layer LCL (see FIG. 5)
disposed between the first substrate DS1 and the second substrate
DS2. The liquid crystal layer LCL may include a plurality of liquid
crystal molecules that change in arrangement according to electric
fields formed between the first substrate DS1 and the second
substrate DS2. Each of the first substrate DS1 and the second
substrate DS2 may include glass. For convenience of illustration,
FIG. 2 generally shows the first substrate DS1 and the second
substrate DS2 of the display panel DP. However, it will be
understood that the first substrate DS1 and the second substrate
DS2 may respectively represent base substrates within a first
display substrate and a second display substrate in which various
layers, elements, etc. are provided on the base substrates.
[0058] Although not shown, a polarizing plate may be disposed above
and below the display panel DP, along the third direction DR3. In
FIGS. 1 and 2, although the display panel DP has a planar shape,
the invention is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for
example, a display panel may be provided to have a predetermined
curvature.
[0059] The optical member OPS may be disposed below the display
panel DP. Particularly, the optical member OPS may be disposed
between the display panel DP and the backlight unit BLU.
[0060] The optical member OPS may include at least one of a
diffusion plate, a diffuser, a first prism sheet (or a horizontal
prism sheet), a second prism sheet (or a vertical prism sheet) and
a brightness enhancement member.
[0061] The diffusion plate diffuses light incident from a light
source LS toward the display panel DP. Thus, the light emitted from
the light source LS may be improved in uniformity in distribution
thereof. The diffuser diffuses incident light to provide the
diffused light to the display panel DP. The diffuser may be
provided in a sheet shape, unlike the diffusion plate. The first
prism sheet changes a traveling direction of the incident light
into the first direction DR1. In an embodiment, for example, if the
first prism sheet is the horizontal prism sheet, the traveling
direction of the light may be changed into a horizontal direction
(e.g., along the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the
second direction DR2).
[0062] The second prism sheet changes a traveling direction of the
incident light into the second direction DR2 which may be
perpendicular to the first direction DR1. In an embodiment, for
example, if the second prism sheet is the vertical prism sheet, the
traveling direction of the light may be changed into a vertical
direction (e.g., along the third direction DR3).
[0063] However, the kind of optical member OPS is not limited
thereto. That is, the optical member OPS may be a sheet for
changing or improving characteristics of the incident light.
[0064] The backlight unit BLU may be disposed below the optical
member OPS. Particularly, the backlight unit BLU may be disposed
between the optical member OPS and the reflection module RFM.
[0065] The backlight unit BLU may generate and provide light to the
display panel DP.
[0066] In an embodiment, the backlight unit BLU may include a light
guide member LGP and the light source LS.
[0067] The light guide member LGP guides generated light received
from the light source LS to emit the light toward the display panel
DP. The light guide member LGP may have a transparent property.
[0068] The light source LS may include a point light source LED
provided in plurality and a printed circuit board PCB.
[0069] The point light source LED may include a light emitting
diode chip. The a light emitting diode chip may be mounted on the
printed circuit board PCB and emit light in a visible light region
among regions along the light spectrum.
[0070] The reflection module RFM may be disposed below the
backlight unit BLU. Particularly, the reflection module RFM may be
disposed between the backlight unit BLU and the bottom chassis
BC.
[0071] The reflection module RFM reflects light emitted from the
backlight unit BLU.
[0072] In an embodiment, the reflection module RFM may contact the
light guide member LGP. However, the invention is not limited
thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the reflection module RFM
may be spaced apart from the light guide member LGP along the third
direction DR3.
[0073] The reflection member RFM will be described in more detail
with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7.
[0074] In FIG. 2, the backlight unit BLU may be an edge-type
backlight unit, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment,
the backlight unit BLU may be a direct-type backlight unit.
[0075] The bottom chassis BC may be disposed below the reflection
module RFM and faces the display panel DP. Particularly, the bottom
chassis BC may be disposed between the reflection module RFM and
the bottom cover LC.
[0076] The bottom chassis BC may support therein the display panel
DP, the backlight unit BLU and/or the reflection module RFM.
[0077] In an embodiment, the bottom chassis BC may be a metal
material. In an embodiment of providing the display device DD, a
metal material may be processed through a sheet metal molding
operation to provide the bottom chassis BC.
[0078] The bottom cover LC may be disposed below the bottom chassis
BC. The bottom cover LC may form an outermost surface of the
display device DD and protect the display device DD against an
external impact or containments incident thereto.
[0079] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the display
device DD of FIG. 1.
[0080] The display panel DP includes a display area DA in which a
plurality of pixels PX.sub.11 to PX.sub.nm are disposed and a
non-display area NDA which is adjacent to the display area DA such
as surrounding the display area DA.
[0081] The display panel DP includes a plurality of gate lines GL1
to GLn and a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm which crosses the
gate lines GL1 to GLn. The plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn and
the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm are provided on the first
substrate DS1 as a base substrate of a first display substrate of
the display panel DP. The plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn are
connected to the gate driving circuit 100. The plurality of data
lines DL1 to DLm are connected to the data driving circuit 200.
FIG. 3 illustrates only a portion of the plurality of gate lines
GL1 to GLn and only a portion of the plurality of data lines DL1 to
DLm. Also, the display panel DP may further include a dummy gate
line GLd.
[0082] FIG. 3 illustrates only a portion of the plurality of pixels
PX.sub.11 to PX.sub.nm. The plurality of pixels PX.sub.11 to
PX.sub.nm are connected to corresponding gate lines of the
plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn and corresponding data lines of
the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm, respectively. However, the
dummy gate line GLd may not be connected to the plurality of pixels
PX.sub.11 to PX.sub.nm.
[0083] The plurality of pixels PX.sub.11 to PX.sub.nm may be
classified into a plurality of groups according to displayed
colors. The plurality of pixels PX.sub.11 to PX.sub.nm may
respectively display one among primary colors. The primary colors
may include red, green, blue, and white colors. However, the
invention is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example,
the primary colors may include various colors such as a yellow
color, cyan, and magenta.
[0084] The gate driving circuit 100 and the data driving circuit
200 may receive a control signal from a signal control unit (e.g.,
a timing controller, not shown). The gate driving circuit 100 may
include a first driving chip 110 and a first flexible circuit board
120. The data driving circuit 200 may include a second driving chip
210 and a second flexible circuit board 220.
[0085] The signal control unit may be mounted on a source circuit
board PCB-S. The signal control unit receives image data and a
control signal from an external graphic control unit (not shown)
which is external to the display panel DP. The control signal may
include a vertical synchronization signal that is a signal for
discriminating frame periods of time, a horizontal synchronization
signal that is a signal for discriminating horizontal periods of
time, e.g., a row discrimination signal, a data enable signal
having a relatively high level during only a period of time for
which data is outputted to display a data input period, and a clock
signal.
[0086] The gate driving circuit 100 generates gate signals on the
basis of the control signal (hereinafter, a gate control signal)
received from the signal control unit during the frame periods to
output the gate signals to the gate lines GL1 to GLn. The gate
signals may sequentially output to correspond to the horizontal
periods of time.
[0087] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a single one of the gate
driving circuit 100 connected to left ends of the plurality of gate
lines GL1 to GLn. In an embodiment, although the gate driving
circuit 100 of the tape carrier package-type ("TCP-type") gate
driving circuit 100 by a gate circuit board PCB-G is exemplarily
illustrated, the invention is not limited thereto. In another
embodiment, the gate driving circuit 100 may be provided on a base
substrate of the display panel DP by being simultaneously provided
or formed together with layers and elements of the pixels PX.sub.11
to PX.sub.nm of the display area DA, such as through a thin film
process. In an embodiment, for example, the gate driving circuit
100 may be provided on the base substrate of the display panel DP
in the form of an amorphous silicon thin film transistor ("TFT")
gate driver circuit ("ASG") or oxide semiconductor TFT gate driver
circuit ("OSG"), in the non-display area NDA.
[0088] FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of an embodiment of
a pixel PX of a display device. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of
the pixel PX.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 4, a pixel PX includes a pixel thin film
transistor TRP (hereinafter, referred to as a pixel transistor), a
liquid crystal capacitor Clc, and a storage capacitor Cst.
[0090] Hereinafter, the transistor in this disclosure may represent
a thin film transistor. In an embodiment, the storage capacitor Cst
may be omitted.
[0091] In FIGS. 4 and 5, the pixel transistor TRP electrically
connected to a gate line GL and a data line DL is exemplarily
illustrated.
[0092] The pixel transistor TRP outputs a pixel voltage
corresponding to a data signal received from the data line DL in
response to a gate signal received from the gate line GL.
[0093] The liquid crystal capacitor Clc is charged with the pixel
voltage outputted from the pixel transistor TRP. Liquid crystal
directors contained in the liquid crystal layer LCL (see FIG. 5)
may be changed in arrangement according to an amount of electric
charges charged in the liquid crystal capacitor Clc. As the liquid
crystal directors are arranged, light incident into an optical
control layer such as the liquid crystal layer LCL may be
transmitted or blocked thereby.
[0094] The storage capacitor Cst is connected in parallel to the
liquid crystal capacitor Clc. The storage capacitor Cst may
maintain the arrangement of the liquid crystal directors during a
predetermined period of time.
[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the pixel transistor TRP on the
first substrate DS1 (as a base substrate of a first display
substrate) includes a control electrode CTE connected to the gate
line GL, an activation layer AL overlapping the control electrode
CTE, an input electrode IE connected to the data line DL, and an
output electrode OTE disposed to be spaced apart from the input
electrode IE.
[0096] The liquid crystal capacitor Clc includes a pixel electrode
PE and a common electrode CE which is on the second substrate DS2
(as a base substrate of a second display substrate). The storage
capacitor Cst includes the pixel electrode PE and a portion of a
storage line STL which overlaps the pixel electrode PE. A common
voltage Vcom is applied to the common electrode CE, and a data
signal is applied to the pixel electrode PE.
[0097] The gate line GL and the storage line STL are disposed on
the first substrate DS1, to be in a same layer of the first display
substrate among those layers provided on the first substrate DS1.
The gate line GL extends to define a branch thereof as the control
electrode CTE. The gate line GL and the storage line STL may
include or be formed of a metal such as Al, Ag, Cu, Mo, Cr, Ta, and
Ti, or an alloy thereof. The gate line GL and the storage line STL
may respectively include a multi-layered structure, e.g., a Ti
layer and a Cu layer.
[0098] A first insulation layer 10 covering the control electrode
CTE and the storage line STL is disposed on the first substrate
DS1. The first insulation layer 10 may include at least one of an
inorganic material and an organic material. The first insulation
layer 10 may include a multi-layered structure, for example, a
silicon nitride layer and a silicon oxide layer.
[0099] The activation layer AL overlapping the control electrode
CTE is disposed on the first insulation layer 10. The activation
layer AL may include a semiconductor layer (not shown) and an ohmic
contact layer (not shown).
[0100] The activation layer AL may include an amorphous silicon or
a polysilicon. Also, the activation layer AL may include a metal
oxide semiconductor.
[0101] The output electrode OTE and the input electrode IE are
disposed on the activation layer AL. The output electrode OTE and
the input electrode IE are disposed to be spaced apart from each
other. Each of the output electrode OTE and the input electrode IE
may partially overlap the control electrode CTE.
[0102] Although the pixel transistor TRP having a staggered
structure is illustrated as an example in FIG. 5, the structure of
the pixel transistor TRP is not limited thereto. The pixel
transistor TRP may have a planar structure.
[0103] A second insulation layer 20 covering the activation layer
AL, the output electrode OTE, and the input electrode IE is
disposed on the first insulation layer 10. The second insulation
layer 20 provides a planar surface which is flat. The second
insulation layer 20 may include an organic material.
[0104] The pixel electrode PE is disposed on the second insulation
layer 20. The pixel electrode PE is connected to the output
electrode OTE through the second insulation layer 20, at a contact
hole CH which extends through the second insulation layer 20. An
alignment layer 30 covering the pixel electrode PE may be disposed
on the second insulation layer 20.
[0105] A color filter layer CF is disposed on the second substrate
DS2. The common electrode CE is disposed the color filter layer CF.
A common voltage is applied to the common electrode CE. The common
voltage and the pixel voltage may have values different from each
other. An alignment layer (not shown) covering the common electrode
CE may be disposed on the common electrode CE. An insulation layer
(not shown) may be disposed between the color filter layer CF and
the common electrode CE within the second display substrate.
[0106] The pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE disposed
with the liquid crystal layer LCL therebetween may form the liquid
crystal capacitor Clc. Also, a portion of the pixel electrode PE
and the storage line STL, which are disposed with the first
insulation layer 10 and the second insulation layer 20
therebetween, may form the storage capacitor Cst. The storage line
STL receives a storage voltage having a value different from that
of the pixel voltage. The storage voltage may have the same value
as the common voltage.
[0107] The cross-section of the pixel PX of FIG. 5 may be merely
one example. Unlike the structure of FIG. 5, at least one of the
color filter layer CF and the common electrode CE may be disposed
within the first display substrate on the first substrate DS1 as a
base substrate of the first display substrate. That is, a display
panel according to another embodiment may include pixels such as a
vertical alignment ("VA") mode pixel, a patterned vertical
alignment ("PVA") mode pixel, an in-plane switching ("IPS") mode
pixel, a fringe-field switching ("FFS") mode pixel, and a plane to
line switching ("PLS") mode pixel.
[0108] FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of embodiments of
a reflection module RFM and a reflection module RFM-1, and
embodiments of a corresponding bottom chassis BC and bottom chassis
BC-1, respectively.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 6A, the reflection module RFM may include
a reflection sheet RF and a support member BS. The reflection
module RFM may be defined by the reflection sheet RF disposed on
the support member BS.
[0110] The reflection sheet RF may be a component for reflecting
light emitted from the backlight unit BLU and may have reflectance
of about 95%. The reflection sheet RF may include a polymer
material and be directly disposed on the support member BS through
a method such as coating.
[0111] The support member BS may secure overall rigidity of the
reflection module RFM and have a rigid property.
[0112] The support member BS may include a metal material.
Particularly, the support member BS may include stainless steel.
When the support member BS includes stainless steel, the reflection
module RFM may have a superior heat dissipation characteristics
while and rigidity.
[0113] However, the invention is not limited thereto. In an
embodiment, for example, the support member BS may include aluminum
(Al) or electro-galvanized steel sheet ("SECC"). When the support
member BS includes aluminum (Al), the manufacturing costs may
increase, but the heat dissipation characteristics may be improved.
When the support member BS includes electro-galvanized steel sheet
("SECC"), the heat dissipation characteristics may be decreased,
but the manufacturing costs may be reduced.
[0114] The bottom chassis BC may include aluminum (Al) or
electro-galvanized steel sheet ("SECC"). When the bottom chassis BC
includes aluminum (Al), the manufacturing costs may increase, but
the heat dissipation characteristics may be improved. When the
bottom chassis BC includes electro-galvanized steel sheet ("SECC"),
the heat dissipation characteristics may be decreased, but the
manufacturing costs may be reduced.
[0115] In an embodiment, the reflection module RFM and the bottom
chassis BC may be coupled to each other by an adhesion member AD.
The adhesion member AD may be a pressure sensitive adhesive
("PSA").
[0116] The reflection sheet RF may have a first thickness WD1 along
the third direction DR3. The first thickness WD1 may be about 0.095
millimeter (mm) to about 0.15 mm. That is, the first thickness WD1
may have a tolerance within about 5% of about 0.1 mm. When the
first thickness WD1 has a thickness less than about 0.095 mm, the
thickness of the reflection sheet RF is too small, and thus, the
reflection sheet RF may be damaged during the manufacturing
process. When the first thickness WD1 exceeds about 0.15 mm, the
thickness of the reflection sheet RF is too large, and providing a
display device DD which is relatively thin may be difficult.
[0117] The support member BS may have a second thickness WD2 along
the third direction DR3. The second thickness WD2 may be about 0.19
mm to about 0.21 mm. That is, the second thickness WD1 may have a
tolerance within about 5% of about 0.2 mm. When the second
thickness WD2 is less than about 0.19 mm, the overall rigidity of
the support member BS may be weakened. When the second thickness
WD2 exceeds about 0.21 mm, the thickness of the support member BS
is too large, and providing a display device DD which is relatively
thin may be difficult.
[0118] The bottom chassis BC may have a third thickness WD3 along
the third direction DR3. The third thickness WD3 may be about 0.285
mm to about 0.315 mm. That is, the third thickness WD3 may have a
tolerance within about 5% of about 0.3 mm. When the third thickness
WD3 is less than about 0.285 mm, the overall rigidity of the bottom
chassis BC may be weakened. When the third thickness WD3 exceeds
about 0.315 mm, the thickness of the bottom chassis BC is too
large, and providing a display device DD which is relatively thin
may be difficult.
[0119] The adhesion member AD may have a fourth thickness WD4 along
the third direction DR3. The fourth thickness WD4 may be about
0.095 mm to about 0.15 mm. That is, the fourth thickness WD4 may
have a tolerance within about 5% of about 0.1 mm. When the fourth
thickness WD4 has a thickness less than about 0.095 mm, the
thickness of the adhesion member AD is too small, and thus,
providing sufficient adhesion of the adhesion member AD may be
difficult. When the fourth thickness WD4 exceeds about 0.15 mm, the
thickness of the adhesion member is too large, and providing a
display device DD which is relatively thin may be difficult.
[0120] In an embodiment, the thickness of the reflection module RFM
and the thickness of the bottom chassis BC may be substantially the
same, e.g., may be equal to or the same as each other. That is, the
sum of the first thickness WD1 and the second thickness WD2 may be
substantially the same as the third thickness WD3. Thus, when an
assembly of the reflection module RFM and the bottom chassis BC is
bent at a predetermined curvature, a neutral plane of the assembly
may be formed in or at the adhesion member AD. Thus, damage to the
reflection module RFM and the bottom chassis BC by external force,
such as in bending the assembly thereof, may be reduced or
effectively prevented.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 6B, a coupling method between a reflection
module RFM-1 and a bottom chassis BC-1 is different from that
illustrated in FIG. 6A. Particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 6B,
the reflection module RFM-1 and the bottom chassis BC-1 may be
coupled to each other by using fixing members such as first fixing
member FX-M and as second fixing member FX-F instead of the
adhesion member AD of FIG. 6A.
[0122] A first opening OP1 may be defined in the bottom chassis
BC-1, and a second opening OP2 which corresponds to the first
opening OP1 may be defined in the reflection module RFM-1. A same
one of the first fixing member FX-M is extendable into both the
first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 to couple the bottom
chassis BC and the reflection module RFM-1 to each other.
[0123] A same one of the first fixing member FX-M may be extended
into the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 and then
coupled to the second fixing member FX-F. As described above, the
reflection module RFM-1 and the bottom chassis BC-1 may be coupled
to each other by the first fixing member FX-M and the second fixing
member FX-F.
[0124] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
reflection module RFM-2. The reflection module RFM-2 may include a
reflection sheet RF, a support member BS, and an adhesion member
AD-1. The adhesion member AD-1 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive
("PSA").
[0125] Unlike the above-described reflection modules RFM and RFM-1,
in the reflection module RFM-2 of FIG. 7, the reflection sheet RF
and the support member BS may be coupled to each other by the
adhesion member AD-1. The reflection module RFM-2 may be defined by
the reflection sheet RF disposed on the support member BS with the
adhesion member AD-1 disposed therebetween
[0126] FIGS. 8 and 9 are respectively exploded perspective views of
other embodiments of display devices DD-1 and DD-2. Unlike the
display device DD of FIG, 2, the display device DD-1 and the
display device DD-2 of FIGS. 8 and 9 may include a direct-type
backlight unit BLU-1 and a direct-type backlight unit BLU-2,
respectively.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 8, the backlight unit BLU-1 may include a
point light source LED-1 and a printed circuit board PCB-1. More
than one of an opening OP-RFM may be defined in a reflection module
RFM-3.
[0128] More than one of the point light source LED-1 may be
provided on a same one of the printed circuit board PCB-1. Each one
of the point light source LED-1 may be extended into an opening
OP-RFM defined in the reflection module RFM-3.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 9, the backlight unit BLU-2 may be
disposed between the reflection module RFM and the optical member
OPS.
[0130] Descriptions with respect to other components are
substantially the same as those of the components of FIGS. 1 to 2
and thus will be omitted.
[0131] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of
a display device DD-3. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the display
device DD-3 may be a curved display device having a predetermined
curvature.
[0132] According to one or more embodiment, a display device having
a relatively small thickness while having overall rigidity may be
provided.
[0133] Also, according to one or more embodiment, a display device
having a relatively small thickness while having improved heat
dissipation characteristics may be provided.
[0134] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the above-described
embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure
covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided
they come within the scope of the appended claims and their
equivalents. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope
of the invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible
interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and
shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed
description.
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